Mississippi

Kevin Graham, Reece Ewing prove how one player can make all the difference for college baseball teams

Published

2 years ago

May 16, 2022

Press Room

Kevin Graham, Reece Ewing prove how one player can make all the difference for college baseball teams

How a lot distinction can one participant make in a baseball lineup?

Loads. Simply check out two Mississippi groups.

Ole Miss has received seven straight sport and 4 straight towards nationally ranked groups (on the street). Throughout that streak, senior left fielder Kevin Graham is hitting .572 with 4 dwelling runs, seven runs scored and 10 runs batted in.

Rick Cleveland

Graham, who absolutely possesses one of many sweetest swings in all of school baseball, was on the bench with a damaged wrist from March 6 till April 8. Throughout his absence, the Rebels received 9 video games and misplaced eight. Earlier than and after his harm, the Rebels are 22-11. (They have been 10-1 and ranked No. 2 within the nation when Graham bought damage.)

This isn’t to say that Graham is solely liable for the Rebels’ spectacular seven-game win streak. However it’s to say that his presence because the clean-up hitter makes the Ole Miss batting order a lot extra imposing. Consequently, Tim Elko, the 3-hole hitter, sees much better pitches. The opposition has to assume twice, possibly thrice, about pitching round Elko when Graham is within the on deck circle. Graham makes the whole lineup look totally different.

“There’s little question our lineup is quite a bit more durable to navigate with Kevin Graham proper in the midst of it,” Ole Miss coach Mike Bianco mentioned Sunday night time. “The man can simply hit. He had that very same swing when he dedicated to us within the ninth grade. The man couldn’t swing a bat for 4 and a half weeks and take a look at what he’s doing now.”

It additionally helps that Ole Miss has settled on a pitching rotation that has been a lot improved not too long ago.

Southern Miss had received 14 straight video games and was ranked No. 5 within the land when the Golden Eagles misplaced their left fielder and 3-hole hitter Reece Ewing. The Eagles have been 32-8 general, 16-2 in Convention USA when Ewing suffered a damaged bone in his hand towards Rice.

Ewing missed the subsequent 9 video games, and Southern Miss was 4-5 in these video games. He returned on Friday night time towards UTSA and the Eagles received the weekend collection with Ewing taking part in a key position. Once more, Ewing wasn’t solely liable for the essential collection victory that offers the Eagles a three-game Convention USA lead with simply three video games to play. However his presence was completely essential.

Ewing batted 13 instances towards UTSA. He reached base eight of these with six walks, a double and a house run.

Throughout his absence, the Eagles batters left runner after runner on base, typically chasing pitches far out of the strike zone. Upon his return, he confirmed the endurance that had been sadly missing from his teammates, which wasn’t misplaced on Southern Miss coach Scott Berry.

“One thing you study Reece Ewing is that he doesn’t swing at pitches out of the zone,” Berry mentioned. “The man hasn’t seen the sector in I don’t know the way lengthy, however he doesn’t get himself out.”

In Saturday and Sunday victories, it was as if the opposite Southern Miss batters took a cue from Ewing, waited for one thing within the zone to swing, after which made the pitcher pay. They hit six dwelling runs on Sunday.

Right here’s the take care of each the Rebels’ Graham and the Eagles’ Ewing. They weren’t capable of take batting apply throughout all these video games they missed. This wasn’t just like the Main Leagues. They didn’t get rehab assignments earlier than they returned to the lineup. In Ewing’s case, he had a solid eliminated on Thursday and was again within the lineup on Friday.

Graham’s current tear couldn’t have come at a extra opportune time for Ole Miss, which has soared to a No. 38 RPI after being down within the 60s. The Rebels have performed their method again in to the NCAA Event image and may rise even greater with Texas A&M (33-16, 17-10 and No. 20 RPI) coming to Oxford for a three-game weekend collection.

With three common season video games to play, nationally ranked Southern Miss remains to be very a lot in play to host an NCAA Regional. The Eagles have to win the CUSA common season title — which they’ll do with one victory at Center Tennessee subsequent weekend — after which play effectively once they host the Convention USA Event.

Don’t know the way a lot NCAA choice committee takes into consideration what occurred when key gamers have been lacking from the lineup. However clearly, Graham at Ole Miss and Ewing at Southern Miss make their groups a lot larger threats to make a deep postseason run.

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by Rick Cleveland, Mississippi Right now
Might 15, 2022

<h1>Kevin Graham, Reece Ewing show how one participant could make all of the distinction for faculty baseball groups</h1> by Rick Cleveland, Mississippi Right now Might 15, 2022 How a lot distinction can one participant make in a baseball lineup? Loads. Simply check out two Mississippi groups. Ole Miss has received seven straight sport and 4 straight towards nationally ranked groups (on the street). Throughout that streak, senior left fielder Kevin Graham is hitting .572 with 4 dwelling runs, seven runs scored and 10 runs batted in. <div class=”wp-block-image”> <determine class=”alignright size-full is-resized”><img src=”https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Rick-Cleveland2-crop.jpg” alt=”” class=”wp-image-1022343″ width=”261″ top=”261″ /><figcaption>Rick Cleveland </figcaption></determine> </div> Graham, who absolutely possesses one of many sweetest swings in all of school baseball, was on the bench with a damaged wrist from March 6 till April 8. Throughout his absence, the Rebels received 9 video games and misplaced eight. Earlier than and after his harm, the Rebels are 22-11. (They have been 10-1 and ranked No. 2 within the nation when Graham bought damage.) This isn’t to say that Graham is solely liable for the Rebels’ spectacular seven-game win streak. However it’s to say that his presence because the clean-up hitter makes the Ole Miss batting order a lot extra imposing. Consequently, Tim Elko, the 3-hole hitter, sees much better pitches. The opposition has to assume twice, possibly thrice, about pitching round Elko when Graham is within the on deck circle. Graham makes the whole lineup look totally different. “There’s little question our lineup is quite a bit more durable to navigate with Kevin Graham proper in the midst of it,” Ole Miss coach Mike Bianco mentioned Sunday night time. “The man can simply hit. He had that very same swing when he dedicated to us within the ninth grade. The man couldn’t swing a bat for 4 and a half weeks and take a look at what he’s doing now.” It additionally helps that Ole Miss has settled on a pitching rotation that has been a lot improved not too long ago. Southern Miss had received 14 straight video games and was ranked No. 5 within the land when the Golden Eagles misplaced their left fielder and 3-hole hitter Reece Ewing. The Eagles have been 32-8 general, 16-2 in Convention USA when Ewing suffered a damaged bone in his hand towards Rice. Ewing missed the subsequent 9 video games, and Southern Miss was 4-5 in these video games. He returned on Friday night time towards UTSA and the Eagles received the weekend collection with Ewing taking part in a key position. Once more, Ewing wasn’t solely liable for the essential collection victory that offers the Eagles a three-game Convention USA lead with simply three video games to play. However his presence was completely essential. Ewing batted 13 instances towards UTSA. He reached base eight of these with six walks, a double and a house run. Throughout his absence, the Eagles batters left runner after runner on base, typically chasing pitches far out of the strike zone. Upon his return, he confirmed the endurance that had been sadly missing from his teammates, which wasn’t misplaced on Southern Miss coach Scott Berry. “One thing you study Reece Ewing is that he doesn’t swing at pitches out of the zone,” Berry mentioned. “The man hasn’t seen the sector in I don’t know the way lengthy, however he doesn’t get himself out.” In Saturday and Sunday victories, it was as if the opposite Southern Miss batters took a cue from Ewing, waited for one thing within the zone to swing, after which made the pitcher pay. They hit six dwelling runs on Sunday. Right here’s the take care of each the Rebels’ Graham and the Eagles’ Ewing. They weren’t capable of take batting apply throughout all these video games they missed. This wasn’t just like the Main Leagues. They didn’t get rehab assignments earlier than they returned to the lineup. In Ewing’s case, he had a solid eliminated on Thursday and was again within the lineup on Friday.  Graham’s current tear couldn’t have come at a extra opportune time for Ole Miss, which has soared to a No. 38 RPI after being down within the 60s. The Rebels have performed their method again in to the NCAA Event image and may rise even greater with Texas A&M (33-16, 17-10 and No. 20 RPI) coming to Oxford for a three-game weekend collection. With three common season video games to play, nationally ranked Southern Miss remains to be very a lot in play to host an NCAA Regional. The Eagles have to win the CUSA common season title — which they’ll do with one victory at Center Tennessee subsequent weekend — after which play effectively once they host the Convention USA Event. Don’t know the way a lot NCAA choice committee takes into consideration what occurred when key gamers have been lacking from the lineup. However clearly, Graham at Ole Miss and Ewing at Southern Miss make their groups a lot larger threats to make a deep postseason run. This <a goal=”_blank” href=”https://mississippitoday.org/2022/05/15/kevin-graham-reece-ewing-huge-difference-makers/”>article</a> first appeared on <a goal=”_blank” href=”https://mississippitoday.org”>Mississippi Right now</a> and is republished right here underneath a Inventive Commons license.<img src=”https://i0.wp.com/mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/MT_square-thumb.jpg?match=150percent2C150&ssl=1″ type=”width:1em;top:1em;margin-left:10px;”><img id=”republication-tracker-tool-source” src=”https://mississippitoday.org/?republication-pixel=true&publish=1067401&ga=UA-75003810-1″ type=”width:1px;top:1px;”>

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Mississippi

Mississippi St. demolishes E. Kentucky starting Lebby era with a 56-7 win

Published

2 hours ago

September 1, 2024

Press Room

Mississippi St. demolishes E. Kentucky starting Lebby era with a 56-7 win

STARKVILLE, Miss. (AP) — From the moment Jeff Lebby arrived in Starkville, the first-time head coach has preached that a show is coming to Mississippi State.

The Bulldogs certainly put on a show for game one of his tenure, as MSU had 450 yards of total offense and ran away with a 56-7 victory on Saturday against Eastern Kentucky. It gave the coach his first career win and kicked off a new era of football.

“One of the coolest things for myself and my family, the fans showed out. Over 10,000 students showed up and hung with us through the rain. They did an unbelievable job creating the energy,” he said.

All three phases scored for the Bulldogs with touchdowns on offense, defense and special teams.

On offense, quarterback Blake Shapen debuted the new scheme with a 15 of 20 showing as the Baylor transfer found the end zone three times through the air and had 247 yards. On the ground, Shapen led the team with seven carries for 44 yards and a rushing score.

“I felt like it was a good day for us,” Shapen said. “There are obviously some things we can clean up and get better at, but overall it was a great start to the season. I’m just thankful for this opportunity at a new place and I know a lot of guys feel that way.”

The Bulldogs (1-0) had four wide receivers score touchdowns as Jordan Mosely had five catches for 104 yards and a touchdown and Kevin Coleman had five catches for 88 yards and a score. Coleman also had five punt returns for 117 yards.

MSU scored touchdowns on its first two possessions before a rain storm dampened the progress. The Bulldogs were back in the end zone in the second quarter on a Creed Whittemore 41-yard end around and then back-to-back touchdown passes to Coleman from 23 yards away and freshman Mario Craver for 54 yards.

Special teams got in on the mix with a blocked punt from JP Purvis — recovered by Craver — and another true freshman in defensive back Elijah Cannon who had a 51-yard pick-6.

“It’s fun to see those guys go out there and make some plays. It’s a players’ game, players have got to make the plays,” Lebby said. “Fun for our sideline, fun for our guys to be able to see them make plays late in the game like this.”

EKU (0-1) scored a touchdown in the final seconds of the first half but was held scoreless in the final two frames. The Bulldogs allowed 130 second half yards. Despite running 19 more plays than State (76-57) the Colonels were outgained 450-285 with the Bulldogs averaging 7.9 yards per play.

“There are plenty of things that we have to clean up. We’ve got to play better, we’ve got to play cleaner,” Lebby said. “So much good, but so much to clean up. That was the message in the locker room.”

BIG PICTURE

EKU: The Colonels were simply overmatched, but the Colonels have a manageable schedule coming down the line.

Mississippi State: The Bulldogs have been searching for excitement and the team has it – at least for game one. State picked up nearly 500 yards of offense and showed explosiveness on that side of the ball as Lebby’s offense did its thing. There is a rough schedule on the horizon, but it appeared fun again for the Bulldogs.

UP NEXT

Eastern Kentucky travels to Western Kentucky on Sept. 7.

Mississippi State travels to Arizona State on Sept. 7.

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Mississippi

Seven Killed, Dozens Injured When Bus Flips in Mississippi

Published

12 hours ago

August 31, 2024

Press Room

Seven Killed, Dozens Injured When Bus Flips in Mississippi

A commercial passenger bus driving through Mississippi on its way to Mexico ran off a highway and overturned early Saturday, killing seven people and injuring dozens. The accident occurred on Interstate 20 east of Vicksburg, CNN reports. A total of 37 people were taken to hospitals in Vicksburg and Jackson, the Mississippi Highway Patrol said. A 6-year-old boy and his 16-year-old sister were among those killed, per the AP. “Anytime you have people injured or killed, it’s tragic, but when you have a situation like this where you have multiple fatalities and multiple injuries, it makes it even worse,” said Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace.

The bus, a 2018 Volvo, is owned by Autobuses Regiomontanos, which transports passengers between Mexico and the US, a company spokesperson said. The company is based in Monterrey, Mexico, Miranda Fernandez said. Its website lists several US locations; it’s not clear where the trip had originated. “All of the passengers go through proper immigration checkpoints and must show their passports or visas to enter either Mexico or the United States,” Fernandez told CNN. (More bus accident stories.)

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Mississippi

What channel is Mississippi State football vs EKU on today? Time, TV schedule for Week 1 game

Published

22 hours ago

August 31, 2024

Press Room

What channel is Mississippi State football vs EKU on today? Time, TV schedule for Week 1 game

Mississippi State football opens the 2024 season with FCS opponent Eastern Kentucky on Saturday at Davis Wade Stadium.

The Bulldogs open Year 1 of the Jeff Lebby era with a lot of unknowns. Saturday’s game will be a good chance to find some answers.

Mississippi State QB Blake Shapen will make his first start in maroon and may have a big season in Lebby’s offense.

Here’s how to watch the Mississippi State football vs. Eastern Kentucky game today, including time, TV schedule and streaming information:

Mississippi State vs. EKU will broadcast nationally via streaming on SEC Network+ and ESPN+ in Week 1 of the 2024 college football season. Kevin Fitzgerald and Charlie Strong will call the game from the booth at Davis Wade Stadium. Streaming options for the game include ESPN+, ESPN’s subscription streaming service.

Date: Saturday, Aug. 31
Start time: 5 p.m. CT

The Mississippi State football vs. Eastern Kentucky game starts at 5 p.m. CT Saturday from Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Mississippi.

Clarion Ledger reporter Sam Sklar’s prediction: Mississippi State 50, Eastern Kentucky 10

Saturday will be a celebration of sorts for Lebby’s first game. The Bulldogs will come out hungry with something to prove on offense after last season. MSU will grab a big lead early and Blake Shapen won’t need to play a single snap in the fourth quarter.

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Thursday, Aug. 29

Odds: N/A
O/U: N/A
Money line: N/A

Aug. 31: EKU, 5 p.m. on ESPN+ and SEC Network+
Sept. 7: at Arizona State, 9:30 p.m. on ESPN
Sept. 14: Toledo, 6:30 p.m. on ESPN2 or ESPNU
Sept. 21: Florida, 11 a.m. on ABC or ESPN
Sept. 28: at Texas, TBD
Oct. 5: OPEN DATE
Oct. 12: at Georgia, TBD
Oct. 19: Texas A&M, TBD
Oct. 26: Arkansas, TBD
Nov. 2: UMass, 3:15 p.m. on SEC Network
Nov. 9: at Tennessee, TBD
Nov. 16: OPEN DATE
Nov. 23: Missouri
Nov. 29: at Ole Miss, 2:30 p.m. on ABC and ESPN+
Dec. 7: SEC Championship Game in Atlanta, 4 p.m. on ABC
Record: 0-0

Aug. 31: Mississippi State, 5 p.m. on ESPN+ and SEC Network+
Sept. 7: at Western Kentucky, 6 p.m. on ESPN+
Sept. 14: West Georgia, 5 p.m. on ESPN+
Sept. 21: Morehead State, 5 p.m. on ESPN+
Sept. 28: Robert Morris, 1 p.m. on ESPN+
Oct. 5: OPEN DATE
Oct. 12: at Southern Utah, 3 p.m. on ESPN+
Oct. 19: at Abilene Christian, 3 p.m. on ESPN+
Oct. 26: Utah Tech, 2 p.m. on ESPN+
Nov. 2: at Tarleton State, 6 p.m. on ESPN+
Nov. 9: Central Arkansas, 1 p.m. on ESPN+
Nov. 16: at Austin Peay, 1 p.m. on ESPN+
Nov. 23: North Alabama, 1 p.m. on ESPN+
Record: 0-0

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